Tig Machine ??

Sounds like you have some serious welding to do as 200amps Tig will require a wet torch, coolant circulation with-in the torch head. A dry troch is max about 90amps and 125amps for short welding times, about 15min with 15min rest.

Very few times while welding did I require a wet torch but they are nice as it does keep the torch head cool. Weld puddle control best comes from the smaller 90* torch with 150amp lead. If your going to be welding alot of deep groove pipe joints then a 75* head works well for rocking in the weld with a #10 cup.

Most projects will Tig welded in the 90amp or less range so thats why I suggested the smaller torch. If you were going to need continious high welding amps then a I would buy two torch sizes as you will not like the larger torch head while welding the general all around shop items.

Tweeco makes the best welding products for any type of welding. I would think you would be looking at a #8 wire and your going to be limited with a dryer receptiable. I would run a dedicated circuit.

Are you sure you want or need a 275amp Tig machine?

Although it generaly requires you to buy a higher amperage machine to get all the "goodies", most of my welding comes in the 150amp or less range even while welding full time.

T_Bone

A suggestion. Wait until you get out of school before you buy your equipment. Why? You will see just whats required and have a better understanding of all the equipment needed. Schools usually have really nice machines. This way you will spend your money on whats needed and forget about all the junk that sounds good but not required that comes in them package deals.

If the school has different machine brands, use each one to see the difference in arc stability and question the instructor about arc stability so you will know what to look for.

Unless the dryer circuit was putin as add on 50amp, it will not be adaquote for a welding machine power supply as most are 30amps. And the wife will be wanting to use the dryer just as your in the middle of your project.

You will want a larger Tig torch welding AL than one for welding SS and a wet torch is needed for .0625 and up. 1/8" pure tungsten is best. I do like 3/32" for all other types of Tig welding of tri-mix tungsten. I never had a use for 1/16" tungsten and I welded tons of 24ga SS.

T_Bone